In the MLS, contemporary is a broad label. It covers sharp modern boxes, softer coastal designs, and the transitional homes that mix modern lines with traditional roofs. What these homes share is age: most were built in the last 15 years or so, under current building and flood codes. This guide explains how to recognize a contemporary home, where to find one, and what to check.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Active contemporary or modern listings | [MLS: count] |
| Median sold price, trailing 12 months | [MLS: $] |
| Median sold price per square foot | [MLS: $/sq ft] |
| Median days on market | [MLS: days] |
How to recognize a contemporary home
- Flat, low-slope, or standing-seam metal roofs
- Large windows and sliding glass walls, often with impact-rated glass
- Smooth stucco, wood, or metal panel exteriors
- Open kitchen, living, and dining space that opens to a pool and outdoor kitchen
- A raised first floor near the water, sometimes with an elevator
Contemporary or modern? People use the words to mean the same thing. Strictly, modern refers to a 20th-century movement, and contemporary means what builders design now. In Tampa Bay listings, both usually mean a newer home with clean lines.
Where to find contemporary homes
In South Tampa, look in Sunset Park, Beach Park, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia, and Davis Islands, where many new homes replace older ones. In St. Petersburg, look on waterfront lots on Snell Isle, in Venetian Isles, and in Shore Acres. On the beaches, many rebuilds use a contemporary design over parking.
Inside local historic districts, such as Hyde Park, a new contemporary home needs design approval to fit the district. See buying a historic home in South Tampa.
What to check before you buy
- Roof. Flat roofs need a sound membrane and good drainage. Ask for the roof type, age, permit, and any warranty.
- Glass and openings. Confirm that windows and doors are impact rated, and get a wind mitigation report. See wind mitigation inspections and impact windows vs. shutters.
- Elevation. Ask for the elevation certificate, even on a new home.
- Permits and warranty. Confirm permits closed and get the builder warranty terms. See open permits.
- Systems. Get the manuals and service records for the pool, smart-home, and HVAC equipment.
For sellers
Buyers of newer homes compare finishes, elevation, and builder reputation side by side. Shane Vanderson prices a contemporary home against other recent builds, not against older homes on the same street. Start with a home valuation, or read about new construction in Tampa Bay.
To see contemporary homes for sale, call or text Shane at 813-205-5430 or use the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between contemporary and modern homes?
Modern refers to a 20th-century design movement. Contemporary means the design of today. In Tampa Bay listings, both labels usually describe a newer home with clean lines, large glass, and an open plan.
Where are contemporary homes in Tampa?
Most are in South Tampa neighborhoods where builders replace older homes, such as Sunset Park, Beach Park, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia, and Davis Islands.
Are flat roofs a problem in Florida?
Not when they are built and kept up well. Flat roofs need a sound membrane, good drainage, and regular checks. Insurers ask about roof age and type, so keep the permit and warranty records.
Can I build a contemporary home in a historic district?
Yes, but the design must pass review. In Tampa’s local historic districts, the Architectural Review Commission checks scale, massing, and materials before it issues a Certificate of Appropriateness.